AAC Literacy Development & AAC 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which literacy model emphasizes that reading and writing are interconnected and mutually supportive processes that develop simultaneously?
- Simple View of Reading
- Emergent Literacy Framework (Correct answer)
- Interactive-Compensatory Model
- Stage Model of Reading Development
Correct answer: Emergent Literacy Framework
The Emergent Literacy Framework views reading and writing as interconnected processes that develop simultaneously from early childhood.
Question 2: For an AAC user with complex communication needs, which approach to shared reading best supports literacy development?
- Reading aloud while the child listens passively
- Dialogic reading with partner-assisted scanning of text (Correct answer)
- Sight word drilling before any book exposure
- Restricting books to the child's assessed reading level
Correct answer: Dialogic reading with partner-assisted scanning of text
Dialogic reading with partner-assisted scanning actively engages AAC users in the reading process and supports emergent literacy.
Question 3: A student uses a SGD and demonstrates understanding of print concepts but cannot decode words. Which instructional approach is MOST appropriate?
- Delay reading instruction until decoding emerges naturally
- Focus exclusively on whole-word sight recognition
- Provide systematic phonics instruction adapted for AAC use (Correct answer)
- Refer the student for special education evaluation before proceeding
Correct answer: Provide systematic phonics instruction adapted for AAC use
Systematic phonics instruction adapted for AAC users addresses decoding needs while accommodating the student's communication method.
Question 4: What is 'alphabet knowledge' and why is it critical for AAC users pursuing literacy?
- Knowing letter names, which predicts later word-level reading and spelling skills (Correct answer)
- Memorizing the alphabet song as a prerequisite to reading
- Understanding alphabetic organization of AAC vocabulary pages
- Recognizing brand logos as a form of environmental print
Correct answer: Knowing letter names, which predicts later word-level reading and spelling skills
Alphabet knowledge—knowing letter names and their sounds—is one of the strongest predictors of later reading and spelling success.
Question 5: Which barrier most commonly limits access to literacy instruction for individuals who use AAC?
- Lack of parent interest in literacy goals
- Low expectations and exclusion from general literacy curriculum (Correct answer)
- Absence of picture books with AAC symbols
- Insufficient phonemic awareness in speech-language pathologists
Correct answer: Low expectations and exclusion from general literacy curriculum
Low expectations and exclusion from the general literacy curriculum are the most pervasive barriers for AAC users seeking literacy instruction.
Question 6: In a multi-tiered literacy support model for AAC users, what distinguishes Tier 3 intervention from Tier 2?
- Tier 3 uses technology while Tier 2 uses only paper materials
- Tier 3 is more intensive, individualized, and frequent than Tier 2 (Correct answer)
- Tier 3 involves parents while Tier 2 involves only school staff
- Tier 3 targets older students while Tier 2 targets younger children
Correct answer: Tier 3 is more intensive, individualized, and frequent than Tier 2
Tier 3 provides the most intensive, individualized, and frequent intervention for students who have not responded adequately to Tiers 1 and 2.
Question 7: Which writing scaffold is MOST beneficial for an AAC user who has emerging literacy skills but limited motor control for handwriting?
- Requiring handwriting practice to build motor memory
- Using word prediction software and alphabet-based AAC access (Correct answer)
- Limiting writing to copy tasks from the board
- Postponing writing instruction until reading is fully established
Correct answer: Using word prediction software and alphabet-based AAC access
Word prediction software combined with alphabet-based AAC access reduces motor demands while supporting authentic writing experiences.
AAC Literacy Development & AAC 2
Which literacy model emphasizes that reading and writing are interconnected and mutually supportive processes that develop simultaneously?